Preserved Materials

Overview

We price ourselves on providing the highest quality preserved specimens and believe that dissection under teacher supervision is a powerful learning experience that instills knowledge, respect and provides positive benefits to our society. Experts agree that with classroom dissection, students learn basic anatomy in a “hands-on” manner that cannot be duplicated.

Specimen CollectionNone of our specimens are threatened or endangered species. All specimens are obtained following USDA and Fish and Wildlife regulations. Sound conservation and ecological practices are always utilized. Many specimens are domestic or introduced species. All specimens are euthanized utilizing published guidelines established and advocated by the American Veterinary Association.

Specimen FixationFixation of specimens alters proteins to prevent decomposition. All specimens are treated with a chemical fixative. Formaldehyde specimens are chemically fixed using dilute (3.5%) formaldehyde. Over time, formaldehyde has proven to be an efficient and stable fixative. We also are pleased to offer an alternative to formaldehyde fixed specimens. “Safe-Way” specimens contain no formaldehyde at all. They are 100% formaldehyde free. Safe-Way process involves a fixative consumed during fixation so no free chemical remains in the specimen. This process is very exacting and performed by highly trained technicians. Safe-Way specimens offer high quality specimens that allow students and instructors with concerns about formaldehyde exposure the opportunity to perform worry-free dissections. Some specimens, such as insects, require other chemical fixatives and these are noted in the specimen description. It takes two to three weeks from the time of your order to ship any specimen or special order not in stock. Please email for price quotes on all Safe-Way specimens.

Specimen PreservationWe never ship specimens in formaldehyde. After fixation almost all specimens are placed in a non-formaldehyde holding and preservative fluid, Delta-Sol. Delta-Sol is a non-toxic preservative fluid that inhibits decay, fungal and bacterial growth and prevents desiccation of the specimen. Most formaldehyde specimens are stored and shipped in Delta-Sol. This reduces free formaldehyde levels greatly. Safe-Way fixed specimens are also stored and shipped in Delta-Sol keeping these products “formaldehyde free”. Holding solution labels are on all pails and detail the contents of Delta-Sol.

Specimen InjectionMany specimens are offered in a variety of color injections. Delta Biologicals’ technicians have spent years perfecting injection techniques to produce a superior quality product. Liquid colored latex is injected into different sections of a specimen’s circulatory system for easy identification. After injection the latex hardens into a non-toxic form with a rubbery like consistency. The following chart details Delta Biologicals’ color injections.

Standard Injections

Plain

No color injections

Single

Arterial system injected with red latex

Double

Arterial system injected with red latex and venous system injected with blue latex

Triple

Arterial system injected with red latex, venous system injected with blue latex and hepatic portal system injected with yellow latex

Specimen PackagingWe offer two types of packaging. Wet-pac means the specimen is packaged in liquid in a plastic pail or jar. Vac-pac means the specimen is moist packed in a vacuum-sealed bag that has been specially designed for this purpose. These alternative packaging methods allow us to meet customer preferences while ensuring that specimens arrive in good condition. Wet-pac allows for convenient storage and re-using specimens but has more expensive shipping costs. Vac-pac has lower shipping costs but is less convenient for long-term storage and reusability of specimens. In some cases, no packaging choice is available, as we have determined that a single packaging method is optimal.

Vials and JarsSmaller specimens are packaged in 2-dram glass vials or plastic jars varying in sizes from 1 oz to ½ gallon. All jars have self-sealing lids to eliminate spills. Holding liquid is Delta –Sol or 70% isopropyl alcohol.

PailsLarger specimens are available in plastic pails varying in size from 1 to 6.5 gallons with locking lids to prevent leakage. Optional pail openers are available (see Dissection Accessories). Holding liquid is Delta-Sol.

Vacuum Packaged(VAC-PAC)Specimens are vacuumed packed and sealed in one or more specially designed bag(s). No liquid is introduced during vacuum packaging; however, a small amount of liquid may be present due to drainage from the specimen.

Custom PackagingWe can package to meet your needs. Custom packaging of your order is available. Please call us to make arrangements at 1-205-683-9761 or email us at customerservice@onlinesciencemall.com.

LabelingProduct labels are provided on each container or bag. These labels contain important information – part number, product description and package quantity - to assist you in verifying your order.

Specimen Safety We are committed to providing you with specimens safe for dissection in the classroom. Formaldehyde fixed specimens may contain a small amount residual fixative within the body cavity or as drainage within the bag. We recommend that this residual fixative be removed by rinsing the specimen or bag with water. Material Safety Data Sheets accompany each order and should be referred to for specimen specific information or can be download from this site

Specimen DisposalPreserved specimens are not considered hazardous waste and normally may be disposed of in the usual solid waste manner, however, as restrictions and regulations vary we suggest contacting your local waste management department to determine appropriate disposal methods.